We investigate corruption, uncover fake news and analyze the news agenda. The BIC is a member of the global network of investigative journalists.
Our journalists are the recipients of the national award “Free Word” from the Association of Journalists of Belarus in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. At "Free Word" 2021 BIC’s team also received first place for Analytics
BIC is a member of the OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project)
We are also members of GIJN (Global Investigative Journalism Network)
‘Polish Economy Is in Decline’: Claims by Belarusian Pro-Government Economist Avdonin Fact-Checked
Unemployment in Poland increased by just 0.1 percentage point over the past year and remains among the lowest in the European Union at 2.9%.
Belarusian pro-government economic analyst Alexey Avdonin claimed that Poland’s economy is worsening. The Weekly Top Fake team reviewed the data, and the numbers tell a different story.
On September 25, Alexey Avdonin, an economist at the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research (BISI), appeared on the talk show “Weekdays” on Alfa Radio, where he alleged that Poland was facing a deteriorating economy.
“Historical memory is always present. The Polish authorities can leverage it depending on the issue they want to address. Currently, they are attempting to resolve a financial issue. Why? Because we see Poland’s economy is beginning to decline, unemployment is rising sharply, and inflation is increasing,” Avdonin said.
However, Eurostat data presents a different picture. In August 2024, inflation in Poland stood at 4% year-over-year, down significantly from 9.5% in 2023.
Unemployment in Poland increased by just 0.1 percentage point over the past year and remains among the lowest in the European Union at 2.9%.
And Poland currently leads the EU in GDP growth, with the Polish economy expanding by 4% in the second quarter.
The presenter referred to the cost of the basic food basket. Over the past two years, the price of the Polish basket has risen by 7%, while the price of the Belarusian basket has risen by around 15%.
It won’t cost you anything!1.5% of your taxes in Poland can support the work of the Belarusian Investigative Center
When filing your PIT tax return in Poland, you can allocate 1.5% of the taxes you’ve already paid to any non-profit organization. That means you can choose to support the work of the Belarusian Investigative Center with your 1.5%.
When completing your PIT, enter BIC’s details in the section “1.5% podatku dla OPP.” Here’s what you need to include in your declaration:
